Podcast: Could algae solve the food-versus-fuel debate?

By CNET News.com Staff

Published: May 2, 2008 2:46 PM PDT

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A number of companies are looking to the lowly algae as a way to avoid the food-versus-fuel debate that surrounds biofuels. CNET News.com reporter Martin LaMonica talks with podcast host Jennifer Guevin about a few companies that are working to use algae as a feedstock for biodiesel, as opposed to soy. The question is which firm will develop a cost-effective technology first.

Psystar will need a mighty legal brigade to fend off Apple if the company moves forward with a lawsuit as expected. So far, Apple hasn't sued, though there's wide speculation that it's only a matter of time before that happens. Such a lawsuit would be noteworthy because it would test the validity of those end user licensing agreements--or EULAS--that come along with just about every piece of software that gets bought or downloaded.

Today's stories:

Lawyers, money needed for Psystar's legal battle

Race to algae-based biodiesel heats up

Amazon.com sues N.Y. over new online sales tax

Firm fined $45,000 over alleged H-1B favoritism

More rumors that Xbox 360 will add Blu-ray drive

MTI Micro debuts fuel cell for GPS devices

Google offers snapshot of image-search efforts

Microhoo: By the numbers

Do-it-Yourselfers prep for Maker Faire